Indian Super League (ISL) club Kerala Blasters FC has confirmed the appointment of Ivan Vukomanovic as the club’s new Head Coach ahead of the ISL 2021/22 season. Vukomanovic will become the first Serbian manager of KBFC and comes with a broad experience of coaching in the top divisions of Belgium, Slovakia, and Cyprus.
The 43-year-old Vukomanovic began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Belgian club Standard Liege in the 2013-14 season before his promotion in the subsequent term. They also secured the qualification in the UEFA Europa League group stages two years consecutively under him. During this tenure, he was instrumental in developing talented Belgian internationals like Mitchy Batshuayi and Laurent Cimon.
Deal done ✅
ഇവാന് വുകോമനോവിച്ച് ബ്ലാസ്റ്റേഴ്സിന്റെ പരിശീലകനായി ചുമതലയേൽക്കുന്നതിൽ നിങ്ങൾ എത്ര മാത്രം സന്തുഷ്ടരാണ്?@ivanvuko19 @KarolisSkinkys #SwagathamIvan #YennumYellow
— K e r a l a B l a s t e r s F C (@KeralaBlasters) June 17, 2021
Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, said, “I would like to congratulate Ivan on joining Kerala Blasters FC. It was a long process to choose the right candidate for the important head coach position. I think Ivan is the right fit for this big challenge and responsibility, someone who can handle the pressure here. We are looking forward to working in the same direction to help Kerala Blasters grow”
Vukomanovic admitted that he was impressed with the vision of the club and he is eager to impress the KBFC family. Kerala Blasters had their worst run in the ISL last season since the league has been introduced in India. They finished 10th in the league with only three victories in 20 matches.
Kerala Blasters struggled throughout the season and barely managed to put up any fight. Blasters have not finished in the top four since 2016 and have become a mid-table team despite early success. They have signed some new players to bolster their squad for the new season. Earlier this year, there were reports suggesting former Watford coach Quique Flores will take over next season, but KBFC eventually agreed to a deal with Vukomanovic. He faces the humungous task of getting KBFC back competing for titles.